What is Pitch Correction?

Pitch correction has been used ever since the founding of modern music technology, and is utilized in quite every single genre whether it be a recording or live performance. There is no doubt that pitch correction is one of the most important tools used on an artists voice, so read along today to learn more about what pitch correction is and how it works.

Pitch correction is a process used in music production to automatically correct the pitch of a recorded vocal or instrumental performance. The goal of pitch correction is to make the performance sound more in tune and professional, by fixing notes that are out of tune or slightly off-pitch. The process of pitch correction involves analyzing the pitch of each note in the recording, and then adjusting the pitch of each note to the nearest semitone in a specific scale. This can be done in real-time during a live performance, or during post-production in a recording studio. Pitch correction can be performed using specialized software or hardware devices, which use algorithms to identify the pitch of each note and make the necessary corrections. The degree of correction can be adjusted, allowing for a natural-sounding correction or a more exaggerated effect. Like in the image shown above, the software Melodyne transfers the audio signal into its program where a variety of devices can be used to alter pitch such as correction, time, fading, and modulation. Overall, pitch correction is a widely used tool in music production, particularly in pop, hip-hop, and electronic music, and can greatly improve the sound quality of a recording by making it sound more in-tune and professional.